25th Annual Savannah Irish Festival
February 17-19, 2017

Savannah Irish Festival brings two days and one night of internationally acclaimed Irish-American and Celtic music, dance, culture, food and fun to historic downtown Savannah.
When: Feb. 17-19 2017

Where: Savannah Civic Center, 401 W. Oglethorpe Ave., Savannah, Georgia
Other: Friday Night Ceili, traditional Irish dance party. Friday, Feb. 17, 6:30pm, Knights of Columbus, 3 W. Liberty Street.

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased the day of the event.  For advance ticket sales call 912-651-6556 or 800-351-7469, or online at the Savannah Civic Center’s website.

For more details & the full schedule of performers, click here.

Free, lottery-funded Pre-K for 2017-2018 school year

The free, state-funded Pre-K at some Savannah-Chatham public schools is open to all children who are 4 years old on or before Sept. 1 residing in Chatham County.

The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System has 60 Georgia Lottery funded Pre-K classes with additional classes at Coastal Empire Montessori.  See the list of Savannah-Chatham public schools that offer the free Pre-K here.

Pre-K applications for the free, lottery-funded Pre-K programs for 2017-18 at Savannah-Chatham County public schools will be available online here starting Feb. 21 2017 until March 6 2017. Applications & required documents are due March 7 2017. The lottery will be April 4 2017.

The deadline to submit required documents to one of the selected schools is March 7, 2017. Applications cannot be processed without these documents.

This free, state-funded Pre-K is open to all children who are 4 years old on or by Sept. 1. Details here. 

Some Savannah private preschools and childcare facilities also offer the state-funded, free Pre-K program and have different application deadlines. Please contact those facilities for their application deadlines.

FREE Georgia Day Parade 2017

Georgia History Festival’s Georgia Day Parade, downtown Savannah
Friday February 10, 2017 at 10:45AM.
Students & teachers costumed as historical figures march through Savannah’s historic squares during this beloved annual event, walking from Forsyth Park along Bull Street to Savannah City Hall.

Rain date for this event is Feb. 13, 10:45AM

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FOR MORE FREE SAVANNAH AREA KIDS’ EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

This week’s SouthernMamas e-letter spotlights:
* where your kids can make snow angels & throw snow balls this month in the Lowcountry;
* new youth art, drama/acting, clay, fibers, drawing, Spanish classes in Savannah
* free fitness class @ Fit46 studio
* Starlight Pottery in Savannah
Read this week’s SouthernMamas.com e-letter here. 

Subscribing to the e-letter is free. Subscribe here.

FREE Family Fun Night
Fri. Jan. 6 | 5:30 – 7:30PM
Join The Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head this Friday for the first FREE Family Fun Night of 2017. This is a community event designed to bring families together for a cost-free evening of creativity and play. Weather permitting, the Bounce House and Big Blue Blocks will be available for play outdoors, or you can explore our exhibits and enjoy a craft indoors. Light refreshments will also be served.

Supported by The Bargain Box

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Sandbox Museum Winter Hours

OPEN Wednesday – Saturday: 10AM – 5PM | CLOSED Sunday – Tuesday

THE SANDBOX WILL BE OPEN
Mon. Jan. 16 for Martin Luther King, Jr Day
HOURS: 10AM – 5PM

The Sandbox Children’s Museum
18A Pope Avenue,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
843.842.7645

The Sandbox Children’s Museum is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Blessings In A Book Bag Inc. in Savannah is a non-profit organization that has helped Savannah school children since 2011. Every Friday during the school year, students are provided with book bags filled with non-perishables goods to sustain them and their family over the weekend.

You’re invited to help support Blessings In A Book Bag by participating in the 4th Annual Unity 5K on MLK & Music Festival in Forsyth Park on Sat. January 14 at 9AM.

Get more info and register at www.blessingsinabookbag.org

After the race, there will be a free music festival in Forsyth Park, 10AM-3PM. Families are invited to set up chairs and blankets and relax.

Create something at Starlight Pottery in Savannah.

Starlight has gone through a change of owners and is now open for you to come and create something! New look. New owner. New pieces.

Follow Starlight on Facebook here, Instagram here.

Attention parents of homeschoolers or toddlers. Wednesday is good day for homeschooled children or toddlers.

New Hours
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Tuesday & Thursday: 1-6PM
Wednesday: 9AM-3PM
Friday: 3-8PM
Saturday: 11AM-8PM

Starlight Pottery
7070 Hodgson Memorial Drive
Savannah, GA
912.303.9599
email: Contactus@starlightpottery.com

Starlight Pottery is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Winter 2017 Classes & Workshops @ City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs Studio in Savannah.

Jan. 13 2017-March 3 2017

Want to play around in the theater, create with clay, design some jewelry or learn arm knitting? City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs has creative classes for all ages in art and drama.

Sign up today. Learn more & see how easy it is to register here.

Classes are at the Cultural Affairs facility located at 9 West Henry St. (2 blocks south of Forsyth Park between Bull and Whitaker Streets).

TO SEE THE COMPLETE LIST OF CLASSES & WORKSHOPS, CLICK HERE. 

Workshops

Basic Pearl/Arm Knitting NEW
Instructor: Ashley Wyndham
Ages: 12+
Tues., Feb. 14, 2017, 6-9PM
$55/$50 city residents

Monday Mud: Special Topics Workshops – Clay Whistles
Instructor: Clair Buckner
Ages 12+
Mon. Jan. 30, 2017, 1-3PM
Make music from mud! Join us for a clay whistle workshop where we will be designing and constructing musical instruments utilizing basic hand building techniques and simple tools. A variety of finishing techniques will be discussed and your works will be fired.
$25/$20 city residents

Monday Mud: Special Topics Workshops – Bird Houses/Feeders
Instructor: Clair Buckner
Ages 12+
Mon. Feb. 20, 2017, 1-3PM
Get ready for spring by spending an afternoon making your one of a kind clay birdhouse\feeder! We will work with slabs and underglazes to design your feathered friends a fun place to visit.
$25/$20 city residents

Parent and Child Clay Workshop: Balloon Belly Bird Houses
Instructor: Clair Buckner
Ages 5+
Sat., Feb. 25, 2017, 10AM-12pm
$25/$20 city residents

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Classes

Mondays
Improv for Teens, Saying Yes! And…
Instructor: Cydnei Prather
Ages 14-17
Mon., Jan. 23 – Feb. 27, 4 – 5:30pm
$75/$70 city resident

Tuesdays

Write to the Point! Creative Writing for Youth
Instructor: Cydnei Prather
Ages: 12-16
Tues., Jan. 24 – Feb. 28, 4 – 5:30pm
$75/$70 city residents

Wednesdays

Actor’s Studio: Intro to Acting for Youth
Instructor: Cydnei Prather
Ages 9-13
Wed., Jan. 25 – March 1, 4 – 5:30pm
$75/$70 city residents

Teen Jewelry Making
(6 Weeks) NEW
Instructor: Jessica Anderson
Ages 13-18
Wed., Jan. 25 – March 1, 4 – 5:30pm
$85/$80 city residents

Beginners Drawing (6 Weeks)
Instructor: Adam Uhlig
Ages: 12+
Wed., Jan. 25 – March 1, 4 – 5:30pm
$75/$70 city residents

Youth Pottery (6 Weeks)
Instructor: Clair Buckner
Ages 8-12
Wed., Jan. 25 – March 1, 3:30 – 4:45pm
$85/$80 city residents

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Sign up today. Learn more & see how easy it is to register here.

City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Come and see all that Risen Savior Christian Academy in Pooler has to offer.

OPEN HOUSE
10AM-NOON Sat. Jan. 28 2017
Meet the teachers~ Learn the curriculum
Tour the Academy~ Enroll your child

NOW ENROLLING
Preschool – ages 2-4
Elementary – K-4th grade (New grade added each year)
*Limited space in each classroom

Risen Savior Christian Academy
1755 Quacco Road
Pooler Ga. 313122
912.925.9431

Learn more: www.risensaviorgeorgia.com

Risen Savior Christian Academy offers preschool for ages 2, 3 and 4 year olds, Kindergarten and Grade 1-4.

Stay connected to Risen Savior Christian Academy by liking their Facebook page here. 

For more information, please call 912.925.9431.

Risen Savior Christian Academy, 1755 Quacco Road, Pooler, Ga. 313122, 912.925.9431 Risen Savior Christian Academy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser. 

Mathnasium Math Learning Center is hosting a FREE introduction to SAT Math Workshop in Savannah, Pooler, Islands & Bluffton

The workshop includes:

 How to register for the test
 Know what to expect on test day
 Get acquainted with the organization of the math section
 Learn how the math sections are timed and scored
 Learn special math strategies to improve your score
 Become familiar with the math topics you need to know
 Practice some SAT math questions in a fun environment

Where and when:
Fri Jan 6
4-5.30PM Mathnasium of Savannah Midtown: (next to TJ Maxx) savannahmidtown@mathnasium.com
Sun Jan 8
3.30-5PM Mathnasium of Pooler (Publix center near Seasons of Japan) pooler@mathnasium.com
Fri Jan 13
4-5.30PM Mathnasium of Savannah Islands: (next to Polka Dots) savannahislands@mathnasium.com
Sun Jan 15
3.30-5PM Mathnasium of Bluffton: (near Publix off Buck Island Road) bluffton@mathnasium.com

Spaces are limited, RSVP by email to the center of your choice with the student’s name, grade and
school.

Mathnasium makes math make sense!

Mathnasium is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

We’re excited to learn about these fun parent-and-me classes for toddlers, babies @ Starlandia Creative Supply in Savannah.

Do-Re-We Class: Every Thursday morning at the Starlandia Space Station starting Jan. 19 2017

Classes are divided by age group:
Infants (1-12 months) 10:30-11:15AM
Toddlers (13-24 months) 11:30AM-12:15PM
2-3 year olds 9:30-10:15AM
4-5 year olds 12:30-1:15PM
$150 for 10-week session

Sing! Dance! Learn!

Instructor Becca Flaherty will lead you and your child through 45 minutes of folk songs, nursery rhymes, games, children’s literature, and Classical music each week.
Based in research of childhood development, behavior, and learning modality, your child will develop essential skills, both musical and non-musical. The songs and games you learn in class will make their way into your everyday routine, enhancing quality time.

Visit starlandiasupply.com for registration information.

Starlandia Creative Supply
2438 Bull St.
Savannah, GA 31401
On the corner of 41st and Bull Street – by Back in the Day and Starland Cafe
912-417-4561
www.starlandiasupply.com
info@starlandiasupply.com

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Grand Opening

Check out the newest addition to Starlandia! It’s called the Space Station – a multi-use performance, workshop, and class space for all ages and all interests.

Grand Opening of Space Station, 6-9PM Fri. Jan. 6 2017.

To purchase tickets, reserve online today and pay at Starlandia. Learn more here.

FEATURING
• Music by Buddy Chapman Jr.
• Projections by Jess
• Information from Savannah Stage Company
• Artwork by Panhandle Slim
• Information about DO-RE-WE classes

Starlandia is a new and reclaimed art supply store for families, kids, and adults! Starlandia’s workshop and class space, the Starlandia Space Station, is a space for people of all ages to be creative, learn, and grow.

Starlandia Creative Supply, 2438 Bull St., Savannah, 31401, 912-417-4561, www.starlandiasupply.com
email: info@starlandiasupply.com Starlandia is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Veritas Academy in Savannah offers a distinctive combination of substantive academics, genuine Christ-centered culture, and a format that tangibly engages the family.

Interested? Come find out how Veritas Academy’s classical, Christian, and covenantal education model is right for your children.

Open House
Thurs. Feb. 2 2017, 9-11AM
25 W Oglethorpe Ln
Savannah, GA 31401-3971

Veritas Academy in Savannah is a Classical, Christian, and Covenantal school that unites the academic substance of the classical liberal arts with a Christ-centered education in a family-oriented condensed day format.

Stay connected with Veritas Academy by liking their page on Facebook here. On Twitter @VeritasGryphons. On Instagram here.

Veritas Academy , Pre-K through 12th grade,  25 W. Oglethorpe Lane., Savannah 31401, 912-238-1222,  email info@veritassavannah.org www.VeritasSavannah.org Veritas Academy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Enjoy nights full of witchcraft, wizardry, and pizza.

The Florence restaurant’s Rooftop Reels series will take you through the entire Harry Potter series.

If little ones aren’t ready for pizza, kids pasta can always be made!

The movies are free.

Sundays
6-9 PM
Sun. Jan. 22: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

The Florence
1 W Victory Dr, # B, Savannah, Georgia 31405

FOR MORE FREE FAMILY EVENTS IN SAVANNAH, CLICK HERE. 

If a trip to visit Mickey Mouse is in the plans for this year then you don’t want to miss these deals that were just released. There are 2 brand new ways to save BIG on your next Walt Disney World vacation; saving up 25% off at select resort hotels or free quick service meals.

Book now for travel from Feb. 20 – June 10 and save up to 25% on your room at select resort hotels this spring and early summer. And when you upgrade to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-day park tickets, you’ll get an extra day at the parks for FREE!

Or take advantage of free quick-service meals at select value resort hotel packages.

The availability for these offers are limited. Rooms will sell out fast.

Contact Tara McCoy at Two Sisters Travel today. Get a quick, no-obligation vacation quote online or call us at 843-284-3241 for details, and let’s start planning your magical Disney vacation! 

Tara McCoy, Vacation Specialist at Two Sisters Travel

843.284.3241

Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/twosisterstravel

Vacation Specialist Tara McCoy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Looking for a meaningful way to spend time with your baby, toddler, or young child each week, and instill in them a love for music along the way?

Ready to take home monthly materials filled with music, books, and ideas for things you can do at home together?

Then join Kindermusik with 88 Keys Piano for brand new themes in January!

Ages 0-4 meet Mondays at 10AM for Kindermusik Savannah “Family All Around Me”. Ages 0-7 meet Tuesdays at 10AM for Kindermusik Savannah “On the Go!”

Enrollment is ongoing so join us anytime.

Visit kindermusikwith88keys.com or call 912-988-KEYS to set up your free trial class today. Kindermusik…a good beginning never ends.

Kindermusik…a good beginning never ends.

Kindermusik Savannah, kindermusikwith88keys.com,  email music@88keysga.com, 912.988.KEYS (5397) Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

The Pooler MOPS will host their free Pooler MOPS Annual School Fair on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, 9:30 AM-12:30PM at the First Presbyterian Church of Pooler.

Participants include preschools, public and private schools, homeschool coops, early intervention, and more.

There will be representatives there to answer your questions and provide information.

Let your friends and family know to come out and learn all about the different educational options available in the Greater Savannah area including Pooler and Rincon.

Pooler MOPS Annual School Fair
Wed. Jan. 25 at 9:30AM-12:30PM
First Presbyterian Church of Pooler
1115 US Highway 80 E,
Pooler, Georgia 31322

Free and open to the public

Organizers will add to the following list as they confirm the schools & organizations that plan to attend:

Risen Savior Christian Academy
Teach Right
Classical Conversations Homeschool Co-op
Veritas Academy
The Sandbox Children’s Museum in Hilton Head Is.
Calvary Day School
Grace Academy-Rincon
Savannah Country Day School
First Steps Preschool-Rincon
MOMs Club

Ignite the Senses children’s sensory gym in Bluffton SC ignites children’s curiosity to explore new activities and new social relationships.

As Bluffton’s only children’s sensory gym, Ignite the Senses aims to spread community awareness and acceptance for those living with autism in and around the Lowcountry. Children with autism and typical children can grow physically, emotionally, and socially together whether in the open gym setting or in any of the small group classes offered.

Offerings @ Ignite the Senses include:

* art and music programs/classes
* special camps during the summer and school holidays throughout the year
* children’s birthdays and special events
* support group gatherings monthly for local families with children who have autism.

Visit www.ignitethesensesgym.com for more information.

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TODDLER TIME

Every Wednesday 10AM-Noon. Bring your little ones in to meet some new friends while having a ball. Your payoff will be at home later when your toddler goes down easily for a nap thanks to Toddler Time.

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SPECIAL NEEDS PARENT SUPPORT GROUP

Fri. Feb. 24 at 5-7 PM. This group will allow parents of special needs children a place to receive support and compassion from other parents dealing with the same situations. A place to vent, exchange tips & provide a sense of peace to one another. Details here.

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GYM HOURS

Open 7 days a week
Mon-Fri: 9AM-6PM
Sat: 10AM-3PM
Sun: 10AM-3PM

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LOCATION

Ignite the Senses Gym
163 Bluffton Road
Suite C1
Bluffton, SC. 29910
(843) 757-0179
Email: info@ignitethesensesgym.com

Ignite the Senses, www.ignitethesensesgym.com. Stay connected by liking Ignite the Senses on Facebook here . Ignite the Senses is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser. 

Happy New Year!

Will 2017 be the year that you put your health first? Let Fit46 Studio in Savannah help you! They have created a science-based 3 step program to get you on your way.

#3StepTransformation

Step 1: Be Their Guest – Come try out a class for free. Fit46 Studio wants you to experience their studio and their amazing instructors before you commit.

Step 2: Getting Started – Next, commit to a month of studio classes (unlimited) AND also receive a personal training session AND a consult with a registered dietitian. Recommended pace: 2-3 times/week

Step 3: Transform and Commit – At this level, your workout pace is 4-6 times/week and you are seeing your transformation and committing to your results. Fit46 Studio offers this month at their lowest price, if you setup the membership on AutoPay (recommended). In essence, they are helping you save money, to keep you on your path!

Sign Up at www.fit46.com

About fit46

fit46 is a fitness studio on White Bluff Road in Savannah behind Lucky’s Market. fit46 offers barre, interval barre, HIIT, sculpting yoga classes & more. They have highly trained & experienced instructors that keep you motivated & will help you reach your fitness goals.

FIRST CLASS IS FREE!

Childcare available 

fit46 is now offering childcare for many classes ($7/class) to help the moms in our community. The childcare service is for kids ages 0 & older. Sign up & see the class schedule here. 

Cost is $7 per child per class.

fit46, 5500 White Bluff Road (behind Lucky’s Market), Savannah 31405, 912-660-5292 email info@fit46.com, www.fit46.com On Facebook here, fit46.com is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Hilton Head Island Recreation Association will host the 2017 Hilton Head Snow Day on January 28, 2017 from 11AM-4PM at Shelter Cove Community Park.

This family event will have inflatable rides, snowfield, and entertainment! For the kids who have never seen snow, this is the perfect event!

Admission: $10 per child ages 2-17. Adults are free. Food and beverage are sold separately.

For more information, call (843) 681-7273 or visit our website at www.islandreccenter.org.